Beth-Haggan
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Etymology and Meaning
Beth-haggan, meaning "house of the garden," is a location mentioned in the Old Testament. The name suggests a place associated with gardens or cultivated land, indicating its possible agricultural significance in ancient times.

Biblical References
Beth-haggan is referenced in the context of the narrative surrounding the downfall of the house of Ahab. The primary mention of Beth-haggan is found in 2 Kings 9:27. In this passage, the location serves as a significant geographical marker during the dramatic events of Jehu's revolt against the house of Ahab.

Scriptural Context
In 2 Kings 9:27 , the text states: "When King Ahaziah of Judah saw this, he fled up the road to Beth-haggan. Jehu pursued him, shouting, 'Shoot him too!' So they shot Ahaziah in his chariot on the way up to Gur, near Ibleam, but he escaped to Megiddo and died there." This passage highlights Beth-haggan as a point along the escape route of King Ahaziah of Judah during Jehu's insurrection. The mention of Beth-haggan underscores its role as a landmark in the pursuit and eventual demise of Ahaziah.

Historical and Geographical Significance
Beth-haggan's exact location is not definitively known, but it is believed to be situated in the northern kingdom of Israel, possibly near the Jezreel Valley. The region's fertile land would have been suitable for gardens and agriculture, aligning with the meaning of its name. Its proximity to other significant locations, such as Jezreel and Megiddo, suggests that Beth-haggan was part of a network of settlements and routes critical during the period of the divided monarchy.

Theological Implications
The mention of Beth-haggan in the narrative of Jehu's revolt serves as a reminder of the fulfillment of divine judgment against the house of Ahab. The events surrounding Beth-haggan illustrate the swift and decisive nature of God's justice as executed through Jehu, who was anointed to eradicate the idolatrous influences of Ahab and Jezebel's lineage. This episode reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the consequences of disobedience to His covenant.

Cultural and Agricultural Context
The reference to a "house of the garden" suggests that Beth-haggan may have been a place of agricultural productivity, possibly serving as a royal or noble estate with gardens. In ancient Israel, gardens were often associated with prosperity and blessing, providing sustenance and beauty. The presence of such a location in the narrative may symbolize the contrast between the fleeting nature of human power and the enduring provision of God.

Conclusion
Beth-haggan, though briefly mentioned, plays a role in the unfolding of God's plan during a tumultuous period in Israel's history. Its mention in the biblical text provides insight into the geographical and cultural landscape of the time, as well as the theological themes of judgment and divine sovereignty.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BETH-HAGGAN

beth-hag'-an (beth-ha-gan, "house of the garden"). The place where Ahaziah was slain by Jehu (2 Kings 9:27). The words are rendered in English Versions of the Bible "the garden house," but some take them to be a proper name. The location is doubtful.

Library

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... Engannim is mentioned in Jos. 15. 34 and 19. 19 and is probably to be identified
with Beth-haggan (Douay the garden house') of IV Kings 9. 27. Cf. Cath. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm

Thesaurus
Bethhaggan
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETH-HAGGAN. beth-hag'-an (beth-ha-gan, "house
of the garden"). The place where Ahaziah was slain by Jehu (2 Kings 9:27). ...
/b/bethhaggan.htm - 6k

Beth-haggan (1 Occurrence)
Beth-haggan. Bethhaggan, Beth-haggan. Bethhanan . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
(See RSV). Bethhaggan, Beth-haggan. Bethhanan . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-haggan.htm - 7k

Garden-house (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 9:27). Probably we ought not to translate the Hebrew, but take
it as a proper name, BETH-HAGGAN (which see). If he fled ...
/g/garden-house.htm - 7k

Gardenhouse
... 2 Kings 9:27). Probably we ought not to translate the Hebrew, but take
it as a proper name, BETH-HAGGAN (which see). If he fled ...
/g/gardenhouse.htm - 6k

Bethhanan (1 Occurrence)

/b/bethhanan.htm - 6k

Beth-hacche'rem (2 Occurrences)
Beth-hacche'rem. Beth-haccherem, Beth-hacche'rem. Bethhaggan . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See RSV). Beth-haccherem, Beth-hacche'rem. Bethhaggan . ...
/b/beth-hacche'rem.htm - 7k

Resources
Does the Bible say anything about Russia in relation to the end times? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Bethel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Concordance
Beth-haggan (1 Occurrence)

2 Kings 9:27
But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. Jehu followed after him, and said, "Strike him also in the chariot!" They struck him at the ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. He fled to Megiddo, and died there.
(See RSV)

Subtopics

Beth-Haggan

Beth-Haggan: A Garden House

Beth-Haggan: Probably Identical With En-Gannim

Related Terms

Beth-haggan (1 Occurrence)

Garden-house (1 Occurrence)

Gardenhouse

Bethhanan (1 Occurrence)

Beth-hacche'rem (2 Occurrences)

Bethhaggan
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